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It is with great sadness that we heard Sybil Crouch, formerly the Head of Cultural Services and leader of Taliesin Arts Centre at Swansea University, has died.
Paying tribute to her contribution, Swansea University librarian Steve Williams said she had been responsible for shaping Taliesin Arts Centre into the successful, innovative and community focused centre that it is today.
Colleagues said her drive and passion for the arts, for inclusion and opportunities, for everyone to participate in and enjoy the arts, was an inspiration to artists, performers and all those who were fortunate enough to work with her.
Many within the arts world in Wales and beyond can bear testimony of her huge contribution to the arts in general and in particular, the world of contemporary dance. She was a great mentor to so many artists across Wales and a driving force behind countless artistic and cultural projects.
As a former Chair of the Arts Council Wales and Creu Cymru, and having worked closely for and with many organisations and artists across Wales, as well as being a city councillor, Sybil was uniquely placed as Arts Centre leader, to bring exciting work and events to Swansea and the region. From Dance Days and the Primary Dance Project, to the Cultural Olympiad and World War One commemorative events in Swansea, Sybil was often the person behind the headlines.
Sybil was also key to the building of a permanent home for the Egypt Centre at Swansea University, – which continues to win awards for its inclusive approaches to volunteering and through its work enabling school pupils to access museum collections and activities through school visits and activities.
She retired from her role in March last year but retained her passion for Taliesin and the role it plays in the city’s cultural life.
Her colleagues at Taliesin said: “We owe Sybil thanks for many things, but overall for being a passionate believer in the power of the arts and culture to improve and transform lives.
“Our thoughts are with David, Sybil’s husband, and her family and friends at this time.”